Arlington, Texas — This is getting familiar for Michigan State, from the stage to the stakes. There’s nothing wide-eyed or wild-ride about it.
The Spartans have altered perceptions without changing their identity, a huge feat by itself. As it entered the Cotton Bowl on Thursday night against Alabama, Michigan State looked and sounded like a team that belonged. The Spartans have done things the past six years under Mark Dantonio few thought possible — and on a national scale, some haven’t totally accepted.
Now comes the tricky part for the Spartans, because only a dim opponent would overlook them any longer.